Up next for Bears: Offseason

Planning for draft, free agency top to-do list

Now that the Bears don't have another opponent to prepare for, they can turn their attention to the offseason.

Because of uncertainty over the collective bargaining agreement, the Bears can't be sure of when free agency will begin. The only certainty is the draft will be held April 28-30.

Draft preparations continue this week at the Senior Bowl and in late February at the NFL combine. The loss to the Packers should help the Bears identify their draft needs.

Either through the draft or free agency, it is likely the Bears will try to bolster their offensive line. They could use another pass rusher as well.

The team also will be evaluating which of their own free agents they need to re-sign. Among the players with expiring contracts are defensive tackle Anthony Adams, special teams ace Corey Graham, center Olin Kreutz, safety Danieal Manning, punter Brad Maynard, outside linebacker Nick Roach and outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

The team also will likely address coach Lovie Smith's contract situation. Smith has one year remaining on his deal, and the Bears could try to lock him up to an extension before the start of next season.